Independent candidate Mark Perkins, who made a stronger standing in the mayoral race than many expected, also sounded a note of unity when he said: “We are not Republicans. We are not Democrats. We are not south Tulsans, or north or east or west Tulsans.

“We are Tulsans. We are strong enough to overcome any challenge if we work together as Tulsans.”

Perkins, speaking at his watch party at Leon’s, a restaurant in Brookside, said he was ready to turn the page on “this ugly chapter in our history” and called for an end to partisan elections.

“We can love our parties and support their state, national and legislative agendas, but we must begin to get their politics out of our local civil discourse because it is not helpful,” he said. “They are established to effectuate power, and to do that they put their party first.”

One independent candidate also did well in the Mayoral election in Tulsa, Oklahoma, also on November 10. The vote was: Republican Dewey Bartlett 29,948 votes; Democrat Tom Adelson 24,211 votes; independent Mark Perkins 11,913 votes; another independent, Lawrence Kirkpatrick 560 votes. Tulsa is the only city in Oklahoma with partisan city elections.

Thank you to the nearly 12,000 Tulsans who voted for me, and to all the others who were supportive in some way. I am disappointed in the loss, but believe Tulsans can and should come together for a better Tulsa whether they voted for me or not. My concession speech from last night is below.

If you would like to support a nonpartisan effort focused on creating a better Tulsa, please enter your email address into the “Sign Up for Email Updates” box under the “Endorse Mark” button on the Right, then click either Insider or Outsider ———————–>

Throughout this campaign and in a dozen debates I have demonstrated my judgment, intelligence, and leadership. I am the only candidate who can unify Tulsans in a nonpartisan way to overcome our challenges.

It is not about name, it is not about money, it is not aboute age, and it is not about political party. It is about the City of Tulsa, and the fundamental right of free people to choose their leader, and by extension choose their path.

I believe in the strength that comes from unity, not in the power derived from exploiting divisions. I am the best candidate because I reflect the character of the citizens the Mayor is elected to represent.

I will run an effective and efficient government, and I can deliver because I am a political outsider, with no political agenda, and no political debts.

I am the leader for the present, and I represent the future with a message based on building Tulsa up, not tearing others down.

The polls indicate I am in a great position to win this election despite being outspent by Mr. Bartlett 10-to-1 and by Mr. Adelson 27-to-1. It is about time we elect a leader who can do more with less.

This is your opportunity to vote your conscience. Don’t let the forces of fear cloud your thinking when you enter that ballot box. It is time for you to have the courage to stand up for a better Tulsa. If you do, I will win.

There are two choices on November 10th. The politicians who divide us, or the leader who unites us. It is time to turn the page.

In response to the attached mailer distributed by Dewey Bartlett for Mayor, Mark Perkins responded with the facts.

“These claims are false and knowingly and intentionally misleading.” said Perkins. “Not only does his mailer make false statements about the KRMG Forum, but it completely distorts what Dewey knows about my positions on the 2nd Amendment.”

“I have never said one word suggesting support for additional firearms regulations. Mr. Bartlett knows where I stand on gun control, as we were in the same room when I discussed the 2nd Amendment during a debate on KFAQ.” [please see story below for more facts]

“With just days until Tuesday’s general election, mayoral frontrunners Democrat Tom Adelson and Republican Dewey Bartlett Jr. continue to fire off new attack ads at one another, and independent Mark Perkins also has hit local television screens.”

The TW finally included me in their coverage of campaign materials. My past campaign materials were overlooked “because they were positive and there was nothing to fact check.” So basically, only if your ads are negative attack ads do they merit coverage. Are our principles out of whack?